Cortez Village Historical Society

Robert Burns Bonnell (Bobby) passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida. He was 80.

Born June 21, 1937 in Cortez, Florida (now Historic Cortez Village) Bobby ran track and played football on the 1955 State Championship teams at Manatee High School. He played football for the University of Florida before enlisting in the US Army. While stationed in Korea, Bobby played intramural football and track for the Army in the Far East Command.

Following his military service, Bobby worked in financial services retiring as a regional manager. In retirement, he partnered with friends to operate a Broke and Poor surplus store in Lake Wales.

Bobby is predeceased by his parents, Ralph Vernon and Bertie Mae (Taylor), Bonnell, his brother David and his daughter Melody Bonnell Mirando.

He is survived by the love of his life for over 55 years, Rilla Dawson Bonnell; sons, David and Robbie Bonnell ; six grandchildren, Curren (Samantha), Corie and Ricky Mirando, CJ Bonnell, Tica Raupp and Katelyn Bonnell-Saul and great granddaughter-to-be, Emma Melody Mirando.; sister Margie Young; nephews Bobby (Deborah) and Todd Young, Kevin and Kris Ashby, and niece Tika Dawson Kinsey. He also leaves behind many loving friends and neighbors.

Bobby was an avid deep sea fisherman and Gator football fan who cherished his family. He adored his grandchildren; while fishing “with Pop” they learned how to live a life of kindness and appreciation for their fellow man. He attended all grandson Ricky’s football games at Braden River HS. He was a surrogate grandfather to all the neighborhood children through the years, ready with a smile and toss of the baseball or pump of a flat bicycle tire.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Lakeland, Florida.,